Spy Photos: BMW testing the X1 ActiveE?

Rumor in the BMW world is that currently the german luxury automaker is testing the BMW X1 with an electric drivetrain. What could be an …

Rumor in the BMW world is that currently the german luxury automaker is testing the BMW X1 with an electric drivetrain. What could be an X1 ActiveE was spotted in Germany during testing, carrying the same camouflage we’ve seen on so many other prototypes.

With the new BMW ActiveE Concept (based on the 1 Series Coupe), BMW made another statement that the automotive future will include electric and hybrid vehicles, low emission models part of the Project i programme, a project that BMW board has given their full support to.

The first rumor of an all-electric BMW started back in 2008 (and confirmed by the new ActiveE Concept), a second one followed shortly, 3 Series electric vehicle yet to be revealed.

It is unknown when the X1 ActiveE will be unveiled or what technology will power the entry-level SAV. We do know that the 1 Series ActiveE uses an Lithium-ion electric pack making 170hp and 184lb-ft of torque (125kW/250 Nm). It uses a direct drive transmission and it has a driving autonomy around 100 miles. It goes from still to 60mph in 8.5 seconds.

The recharging time needed is around 4.5 hours on 220 volt residential power supply.

With the new BMW ActiveE making its debut next month in Detroit, we expect to learn more things about future BMW products in the Project i programme.